CBS Sports agrees Brandon Aiyuk's future with 49ers is in limbo during NFL Draft

CBS Sports highlighted Brandon Aiyuk as a player who could be on the move in the NFL Draft if the 49ers don't plan on extending him.

The San Francisco 49ers are fortunate that they aren't dealing with a quarterback controversy this offseason, which is a notable departure from so many previous offseasons where it seemed that was the No. 1 topic of discussion.

However, the Niners are not without drama... again.

Star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is seeking a contract extension, one that could pay him an average of $25 million per year. Knowing how San Francisco is already dealing with salary-cap challenges and will have to pay quarterback Brock Purdy a hefty amount of change in a year's time, extending Aiyuk will be a massive hurdle for general manager John Lynch and Co.

The 49ers have a history of extending their star players after the draft. Last year, All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa received his record-setting extension late in training camp after an elongated standoff, and Aiyuk might have to wait for some time before getting his money.

If the Niners ultimately go that route.

But, if San Francisco is unable to reach a deal and knows it's going to be next to impossible to do, the 2024 NFL Draft could be a key event that could determine Aiyuk's future.

Niner Noise pointed that out already, but CBS Sports is also agreeing, too.

CBS Sports: Brandon Aiyuk's 'uncertain future' could impact Round 1 of NFL Draft

In breaking down players who have "uncertain futures" heading deeper into 2024, CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr included Aiyuk as someone who could shake up the first round of this year's draft.

Kerr wrote:

"DeVonta Smith's extension of $25 million per year is a barometer for Aiyuk's next contract, but will the 49ers pay it? Or will the 49ers seek draft compensation for Aiyuk, draft a wideout in the early rounds and have Aiyuk's new team pay him?

If the 49ers don't trade Aiyuk early in the draft, the pressure will be on to reach a long-term extension with him. "

The 49ers have more reasons to retain Aiyuk than they do to trade him. But, if a trade is on the table, it likely starts with a first-round pick as part of the compensation.

Because of this, the entirety of Round 1 could be something of a stress point for Aiyuk's future until the Niners reach their own pick at No. 31 overall, assuming they'd have no interest in sending a star wideout to a receiver-needy team in the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs.

No reason to help them, right?

If the first round passes, and Aiyuk isn't dealt, then signs would point to San Francisco ultimately getting a deal done with the 2020 first-round draftee.

The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off with Round 1 on Thursday, April 25.

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